Ludhiana: 88 dengue cases in district, less than last year

October saw a surge in dengue cases with about 52% of the total cases reported this month with more than a week to go.

Till Tuesday, the district had reported 169 dengue cases, 88 of which were reported in October alone.

This year, the incidence began to rise after August, with 35 cases reported in September. Only nine cases were reported in August, 12 cases each in July and nine each in June and May. Five cases in April and two in March.

According to district epidemiologist Dr Sheetal, dengue fever peaks only in October. “There is no clear rule as to when the incidence increases sharply. It usually starts after the rainy season and peaks in October and sometimes later,” she said.

However, the district has reported significantly fewer dengue cases this year compared to the previous two years (till October). In 2023, 623 cases were recorded at the end of October, and in 2022, 323 cases were recorded during this period.

In October 2023 alone, 343 cases were recorded, in 2022 – 224 cases.

Health officials conduct regular checks and raids every Friday in areas reported to be breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes, as well as special anti-dengue activities.

So far, officials have issued 1,501 challans during raids and inspections of breeding sites.

“We carry out regular checks to ensure breeding sites do not go undetected,” she added.

Keep Dengue Fever Away

Dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant, clean water and bite in the morning or evening. Symptoms of this disease include high fever, headache, muscle pain and fatigue.

Dr Sheetal advised keeping areas with standing, clean water clean, avoiding storing water in the house such as in refrigerators, tanks, flower vases and other containers, cleaning the area regularly, wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellents.

“If symptoms of dengue appear, immediately go to the nearest hospital or doctor,” she said.